My Dad
08-18-2011 | 01:57 AM
#1
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 43,930
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From: Arlington, VA
My Dad
Haven't been posting much recently, but thought you might like to read about my dad. 
OBITUARY
Willis L. Fairbanks
Willis L. Fairbanks, 95, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), a veteran of World War II and Korea, died August 14, 2011 of natural causes at Capital Caring Hospice in Arlington, Virginia. He was born on a homestead ranch in Buffalo, Montana on May 29, 1916. During his Marine Corps career he held staff and command positions in the Pacific, the Far East, Europe and various locations in the United States. His decorations included two bronze stars, a Navy Unit Citation and various campaign ribbons.
He and his wife of 69 years, the former Nell Ward, settled in McLean, Virginia in 1963 for his final posting at the Pentagon following a tour of duty in Paris, France. After retirement from the Marine Corps in 1966, he was a systems analyst with Computer Concepts in Silver Spring, Maryland and then with Planning Research Corporation in McLean. In 1970, he opened the McLean Clock Shop, and for eight years specialized in the restoration and sale of antique clocks. In 1975, he became a Rotarian and served as club president of the McLean club, and the Tysons club which he founded. He was active in community affairs at the county level and served on the board of the McLean Citizens Association as well as a task force related to the McLean Central Business District.
He is survived by his wife; children Candace Preller (Chuck), Deborah Sola (Vito Menzella) and Gary Fairbanks (Ann); grandchildren Lisa Nicoli (Jeff), Justin Crouch, Cory Fairbanks and Christopher Fairbanks; and great-grandchildren Jordon Nicoli and Tyler Nicoli.
Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations may be made to Capital Caring (www.capitalcaring.org) or Rotary International (www.rotary.org).
OBITUARY
Willis L. Fairbanks
Willis L. Fairbanks, 95, Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), a veteran of World War II and Korea, died August 14, 2011 of natural causes at Capital Caring Hospice in Arlington, Virginia. He was born on a homestead ranch in Buffalo, Montana on May 29, 1916. During his Marine Corps career he held staff and command positions in the Pacific, the Far East, Europe and various locations in the United States. His decorations included two bronze stars, a Navy Unit Citation and various campaign ribbons.
He and his wife of 69 years, the former Nell Ward, settled in McLean, Virginia in 1963 for his final posting at the Pentagon following a tour of duty in Paris, France. After retirement from the Marine Corps in 1966, he was a systems analyst with Computer Concepts in Silver Spring, Maryland and then with Planning Research Corporation in McLean. In 1970, he opened the McLean Clock Shop, and for eight years specialized in the restoration and sale of antique clocks. In 1975, he became a Rotarian and served as club president of the McLean club, and the Tysons club which he founded. He was active in community affairs at the county level and served on the board of the McLean Citizens Association as well as a task force related to the McLean Central Business District.
He is survived by his wife; children Candace Preller (Chuck), Deborah Sola (Vito Menzella) and Gary Fairbanks (Ann); grandchildren Lisa Nicoli (Jeff), Justin Crouch, Cory Fairbanks and Christopher Fairbanks; and great-grandchildren Jordon Nicoli and Tyler Nicoli.
Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations may be made to Capital Caring (www.capitalcaring.org) or Rotary International (www.rotary.org).
08-18-2011 | 02:01 AM
#2
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 43,930
Likes: 3,027
From: Arlington, VA
The other day, my bro, sis and I went to the funeral home to settle up details of his cremation and to pick out an urn. We had thought of getting something related to his life, like a Marine Corps urn or something Montana-ish, since that is where he was born and raised. All of a sudden my bro said "Look!" and there was a cherrywood mantle clock! It actually works (quartz movement with a battery) and the ashes are contained in a metal box behind the clock face. We were floored. It is just perfect. We are having a reception on Sat at the home, and we are not going to tell anyone it's Dad and just let them see it and think it's a regular clock. Then spring the surprise. If it breaks, he'll be right there to fix it! 
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08-19-2011 | 09:52 AM
#10
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 48,203
Likes: 10
From: Lewisville, TX
Deb, surely there is a bit of sadness, but there most certainly would seem to be zero remorse. Sounds like an awesome man! Very happy you were able to enjoy his company for so many years.